Airman Certification Standards
ACS PA.VII.B
Power-Off Stalls
Knowledge
Aerodynamics associated with stalls in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.
Stall characteristics as they relate to airplane design, and recognition impending stall and full stall indications using sight, sound, or feel.
Factors and situations that can lead to a power-off stall and actions that can be taken to prevent it.
Fundamentals of stall recovery.
Risk Management
Factors and situations that could lead to an inadvertent power-off stall, spin, and loss of control.
Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).
Stall warning(s) during normal operations.
Stall recovery procedure.
Secondary stalls, accelerated stalls, and cross-control stalls.
Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to power-off stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skill
Clear the area.
Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES).
Configure the airplane in the approach or landing configuration, as specified by the evaluator, and maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.
Establish a stabilized descent.
Transition smoothly from the approach or landing attitude to a pitch attitude that induces a stall.
Maintain a specified heading ±10° if in straight flight; maintain a specified angle of bank not to exceed 20°, ±10° if in turning flight, while inducing the stall.
Acknowledge cues of the impending stall and then recover promptly after a full stall occurs.
Execute a stall recovery in accordance with procedures set forth in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
Configure the airplane as recommended by the manufacturer, and accelerate to best angle of climb speed (VX) or best rate of climb speed (VY).
Return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator.
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)44
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.